Kraken Technology Unveils New Clean Tech Hub in Manchester

Image Credit: Kraken Technologies

Kraken Technology, the software innovation branch of Octopus Energy Group, has unveiled a cutting-edge clean technology R&D hub in Manchester, signaling its ambition to transform the city into the "Silicon Valley of Energy."

Nestled in the historic Pariser Building in central Manchester, this new hub is poised to host over 200 Kraken employees. It will be a pivotal testing ground for integrating third-party devices with Kraken's advanced energy platform.

Kraken envisions this hub as a catalyst for the UK's transition into a clean energy superpower. By situating this innovative center in Manchester, the company aims to foster an environment akin to Silicon Valley but focused on energy.

The flexibility platform developed by Kraken is already used by major energy retailers such as Octopus Energy, Tokyo Gas, E.ON, and Origin Energy, among others. This new facility in Manchester is expected to enhance the usability of their partners' products, extending their reach to a broader audience of homes, customers, and businesses.

"Our new EnTech superhub is a game-changer for the UK's renewable ambitions and will speed up the country's transformation into a clean energy superpower," said Devrim Celal, CEO of Kraken Technologies. "Manchester is on track to becoming the Silicon Valley for energy tech. With this facility, we're not just laying the groundwork for a greener, smarter energy system - we're creating a more sustainable and affordable future for all."

Collaborations with automotive giants BYD and Ford, battery innovators Tesla, Enphase Energy, SolarEdge, and GivEnergy, EV charging specialists Indra Renewable Technologies, Hypervolt, Ohme, and Myenergi, and heat pump leaders Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin underscore the hub's expansive vision.

With this launch, Digital Catapult introduced the Made Smarter Innovation Accelerator programme. This initiative, funded by Made Smarter and Innovate UK, aims to propel eight technology companies focused on enhancing resource and energy efficiency in manufacturing.

These start-ups, paired with industry heavyweights BAE Systems, HS2, and Creagh Concrete, will collaborate on developing their solutions. They will benefit from a suite of support services, including sustainability masterclasses, technical monitoring, innovation guidance, and peer-to-peer support, all designed to drive forward the next wave of clean energy innovations.

"With UK manufacturing touted as one of the silver bullets to sustainable economic growth, there is growing demand for manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and prove that this commitment yields significant commercial benefit," said Justin Cross, director of innovation practice at Digital Catapult. "The UK was the 8th largest global manufacturer last year, so we are in a prime position to show the rest of the world that sustainable innovation and smart manufacturing are key to achieving long-term economic prosperity."

Cross added: "I'm confident that these innovative solutions will improve energy efficiency and optimise resource use, and I'd like to congratulate the start-ups for joining this pioneering new programme."